MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Many residents use Lake Lansing throughout the summer, and, because it's so widely used, Meridian Township encourages residents to do their part to help keep the water clean and healthy.

Meridian Township Chief Engineer Younes Ishraidi says one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep the water clean is for property owners to not fertilize their back yard. Fertilizers not only pollute the lake, but also attract geese, which also cause problems for the water.

"We want to provide what we call a natural buffer," Ishraidi said. "Natural plants serve as a buffer between the surface of the water and the backyards."

Ishraidi said this buffer prevents runoff containing fertilizers from getting into the water. He also suggests to clean your boat before putting it into Lake Lansing to prevent the spread of invasive species.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 36 percent of lakes nationwide are graded as being a poor lake shore habitat.